The Michigan Senate, in a 30-5 vote this morning, approved final passage of a supplemental appropriations bill designed to provide $21 million for 49 dredging projects at public recreational boating facilities around the state.

The Senate also unanimously approved the "Marina Dredging Loan Origination Act," which would appropriate $1 million for the state Treasury to help private marina owners secure dredging loans by paying origination fees.

Both bills now head to the desk of Gov. Rick Snyder, who proposed the dredging plan in his recent executive budget recommendation.

Despite significant support in the Republican-led legislature, the emergency appropriations bill hit choppy waters today when Senate members railed against a House-approved amendment adding $250,000 for a study on sentencing guidelines in the corrections system.

"What we have here is political blackmail," said Sen. John Pappageorge, R-Troy. "…I'm going to vote 'yes' because the dredging is really important, and we're facing a two-week break here. It's time to get this thing moving, but I'll figure out every way I can to stop this kind of nonsense (in the future)."

Senate Bill 233, which appropriates the emergency funding and also includes money for Natural Resources Trust Fund Projects, was approved in the House on Wednesday by a 107-3 vote. Senate Bill 252, which sets up the loan program for private marinas, passed the House in a 106-4 vote.

The dredging provisions would set aside money for emergency projects at public boating sites, according to an analysis from the Senate Fiscal Agency. About $11.5 million comes from the state's general fund, and $9.5 million would be diverted from the state's waterways fund.

The emergency dredging plan comes from the Michigan State Waterways Commission. The state surveyed 83 public recreational boating harbors in December and January to come up with the targeted dredging list. The plan allows for grants for harbors, marinas and boat launches.

The dredging program would involve the removal of accumulated sediments at the bottom of waterways to maintain adequate depth for shipping and boating.

Jonathan Oosting is a Capitol reporter for MLive Media Group. Email him, find him on Google+ or follow him on Twitter.